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We may long for a place where there is complete peace, where love surrounds us, sorrow is gone, and people care for one another. Yet here on earth, we know that trouble, disappointment, and loss are a part of life. Even in the most peaceful places, we cannot escape every difficulty.
In her poem In The City Of Peace, Mary C. Ryan looks beyond this life to a heavenly home whose beauty cannot be fully described. She writes of streets of gold, a crystal sea, loved ones waiting in glory, and the hope of being reunited with those who have gone before us.
Her words also speak to those walking through difficult times. Although life's path may sometimes feel lonely, rugged, and steep, faith gives us reason to keep going. May this poem encourage you to trust that Jesus walks with us through life's sorrows and that, beyond them, there is the promise of peace and joy.
Updated September 24, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
In the city of peace, that is paved with pure gold;
The half of whose loveliness has never been told;
On the beautiful shore of the bright crystal sea,
Oh! is there not some one that is watching for me?
Though around me, so darkly misfortunes may press,
Enveloping my life in a film of distress;
That gloom o'er my soul like rain to parched fields would be,
If I knew friends in glory were praying for me.
Though my path o'er life's mountains is rugged and steep.
And lone are the vigils, that my sad heart must keep,
Joy would fill my bosom, if my eyes could but see
At the end of that way, friends were waiting for me.
If Jesus through this world would but lead my life's trend,
I'd know that my sorrow in great joy would soon end,
And all of earth's crosses would as nothing then be,
When my Saviour and King gives a bright crown to me.
Life on earth brings both happiness and sorrow, but the poet looks forward to a place where peace is complete. Her description of heaven gives hope that the struggles of this life are not the end of our story.
Misfortune can sometimes make life feel dark and uncertain. Faith reminds us that even when we cannot see what lies ahead, we can continue forward with hope.
The poet finds comfort in thinking about friends who have gone before her. The hope of seeing loved ones again can bring encouragement when we are grieving their absence.
Ryan expresses a desire for Jesus to guide her through this world. Trusting His direction gives her strength to face sorrow and continue along life's difficult path.
The poem ends with confidence that today's burdens will one day give way to joy. This hope can encourage us to remain faithful even when life's road feels rugged and steep.
Continue exploring poems about faith, heaven, peace, and life's journey with these inspiring pages.
In The City Of Peace reminds us that even when life brings sorrow, disappointment, or a difficult road, faith gives us something beyond our present circumstances to hold on to. Mary C. Ryan's words point toward the hope of heaven, where the troubles of this life will no longer weigh us down.
May this poem encourage you when the road ahead feels uncertain. By trusting Jesus to guide us and holding on to God's promises, we can continue our journey with faith, looking forward to the peace and joy that await beyond life's struggles.
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